27-Day Teacher Training in Ashtanga, Porto Santo, Madeira
26th October to 23rd November 2024
For those who are ready! Immerse yourself for one month in the practice of Yoga and live for one month in a Yogic community on the tranquil paradise island of Porto Santo
- Our mission is to provide students with an outstanding 200hr YTT program, that is altogether comprehensive, interactive and personally meaningful for each participant.
- Our curriculum centres on teaching yoga through the framework of classical Ashtanga (“8- limbs”) Yoga, and the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series. With an emphasis on effective hands-on assists and alignment, classical yoga philosophy, anatomy, pranayama and meditation, this course requires the constancy of abhyāsa – sustained practice– on the part of each student, so that the large spectrum of content which will be delivered over the month may be assimilated and may endure.
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Our commitment is towards the facilitation of students’ genuine yoga experience; the development of safe technical skills and practical teaching methodology; and the pursuit of knowledge in the areas of classical yoga, its major philosophical influences and history. Teachers will be providing one-on-one engagement on site, as well as personalized attention between modules as required, in order to review and respond to homework assignments or other course related queries on behalf of each student.
Upon successful completion and demonstration of the curriculum set here, students will receive the credential to register as a 200 hour yoga teacher (RYT) approved by Yoga Alliance.
Syllabus Outline
Ashtanga Primary Series in Detail
Introduction to Intermediate Series
Asana Alignment Workshops
Asana Adjustment Workshops
Teaching Methodology
Pranayama
Meditation
Yoga Philosophy: Classical Samkhya, The Yoga Sutra, The Bhagavad Gita, Ayurveda
Yoga Nidra
Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga
Kriyas
Karma Yoga
Our 200 hr teacher training is broken down into 4 separate modules, each approximately 1 week long. You can participate in a module whenever you choose and continue with the next module in one month, six months or up to a year later – whatever rhythm suits you best! If you want the best of both worlds, you can split the modules between Asturias and Porto Santo, the mountain paradise and the beach paradise! Indeed, taking time between each intensive modules in order to fully absorb what you have learned is in many cases recommended. However, modules three and four must be participated in consecutively.
Module Contents
*Note: Titles indicate the emphasis of each week. However, asana, meditation and philosophy will be included in each week´s program.
Module 1 (6 days)- The Full Flow
The goal of this week is to learn the practice of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series. Our focus will be on perfecting the sequencing and breath of the Ashtanga primary series. For each asana we will learn its important alignments, permitted modifications and conditions under which it should not be practiced. By the end of the course we should be able to practice without being guided, i.e. ‘Mysore Style’.
We will also study the fundamentals of Yoga Philosophy. This course will be less intensive than subsequent weeks and includes more free time for discovering the surrounding Natural Paradise
8:30 Ashtanga Yoga Practice
10:30 Breakfast
12:00 Yoga Nidra
12:30 Asana Alignment Workshop
14:30 Lunch
16:30 Free Time / Guided Excursion
19:00 Discourse (Evolution of Yoga,Yoga Sutras)
20:00 Dinner
21:30 Meditation
*The first day of Module 1 is the day of arrival. Participants may arrive anytime after 16:00h, and the program will begin will with an introductory session around 18:30, followed by dinner.
Module 2 (6 days) – Mysore Style Retreat
In the second week of the teacher training, our asana practice will all be in silent Mysore Style. We will also begin learning Pranayama and how to adjust asanas ‘hands-on’. We will revisit the yoga philosophy of the previous week, expanding specifically on certain aspects of two important philosophical texts relating to yoga, namely, the Yoga-sūtra and the Saṃkhya-kārikā. Practical concepts of India’s classical medical system, āyurveda, will also be introduced.
8:00 Pranayama
9:00 Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore Style)
10:30 Breakfast
12:00 Yoga Nidra
12:30 Philosophy (Samkhya/Ayurveda)
14:00 Lunch
17:30 Workshop (Primary Adjustments / Preparing for Intermediate Series )
20:00 Dinner
21:00 Meditation
*Note that the last day will involve an examination of what you have learnt in weeks 1 and 2 if you wish to proceed to weeks three and four of teacher training.
Module 3 (6 days)- Adjustments II, Teaching Methodology and Yoga Anatomy/Physiology
The focus on week three will be on learning how to teach yoga classes and adjust asanas. The talks will focus on Anatomy and Physiology as they relate to yoga practices.
8:00 Pranayama
9:00 Ashtanga Mysore Style
10:30 Breakfast
12:00 Yoga Nidra
12:30 Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga
14:00 Lunch
17:00 Asana Adjustment / Teaching Methodology Workshop
20:00 Dinner
21:00 Meditation
Module 4 (5 days)- Adjustments III and You Teach!
In Week 4 the focus will be on teaching practice and practical examinations. On one morning you will be responsible for helping with adjustments in the Mysore Session and on one afternoon you will lead a guided class. We will also learn the final, more complicated adjustments of the Primary Series. In the discourses we will go deeper into finer aspects of Yoga Philosophy, especially in relation to the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gitta.
8:00 Pranayama
9:00 Mysore Class .
10:30 Breakfast
12:00 Yoga Nidra
12:30 Yoga Discourse (Bhagavad Gitta, Yoga Sutras, Upanishads- Bringing Yoga into Life)
14:00 Lunch
17:00 Teaching Practice/Adjustment Workshop
20:00 Dinner
21:00 Meditation
*The penultimate day will be an examination to determine if the student merits teacher credentials
About Porto Santo
The island is famous for its long stretches of golden sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters. The most popular beach is Praia de Porto Santo, a 9-km (5.6-mile) stretch of fine sand with calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Beyond the beaches, Porto Santo offers a variety of other activities for visitors. Hikers can explore the island’s many trails, which wind through rugged mountains and scenic valleys. Cyclists can take a leisurely ride along the coast, enjoying the beautiful ocean views. For a touch of history, visitors can explore the 16th-century Pico Castelo fortress, which was built to defend the island from pirates.
The island’s capital, Vila Baleira, is a charming town with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the town’s shops and cafes, or visit the Columbus House, a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who is believed to have lived on the island for a time.
Course Requirements
Because of the level of dedication required from this training program, as well as our sincere intention to transmit yoga, we require that new students wishing to participate in the full training at once first complete an application that includes a paragraph describing their motivations for attending the course. Our teacher training programs are limited to 12 participants.
Participants should already maintain a certain level of fitness and mental discipline. More than anything else, it is imperative that participants enter with a yearning to learn, especially through the frameworks of practice and self study. Complete list of course requirements will be sent to the participant by email after having formalized his/her reservation.
Once you have sent us your application, we will respond within one week letting you know the status of your placement in the course. If you will be attending, your registration can be confirmed with a deposit of 250 euro, and the remaining amount paid within 48 hours of arrival.
Accomodation
Nestled in Barroca, Vila Baleira, on Porto Santo Island, the house is just a 10-minute stroll from pristine beach and a quick 5-minute walk to the town center and supermarket. You can enjoy the island breeze in the house’s gardens, rinse off under the outdoor shower with heated water, and savour mouthwatering vegetarian BBQ delights. Complete with cozy bed linens, plush bath towels, and provided WiFi, our house ensures your comfort as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of Porto Santo.
Food
We are blessed on this retreat to have Cristiano and Matilde, two gifted vegetarian cooks. They amazed and delighted us on a retreat in Asturias with their colourful and delicious creations, making creative use of local ingredients herbs and spices. Their passion for cooking is obvious. You will enjoy the Indian influence, coming from Cristiano’s time living in Goa and learning directly in home kitchens.
Yogi Chefs Matilde and Cristiano cooking on TV
Certification with Yoga Alliance
Asturias Yoga is a certified yoga teacher training school with Yoga Alliance. Upon successful completion of the requirements required by the 200 hour Ashtanga Vinyasa training program, students will receive a certificate of completion and given permission to register officially with Yoga Alliance.
Included in 200hr YTT
- All classes, workshops, discourses
- All meals, teas
- Kriya Pack
- Yoga Reference Manual
- Primary Series Chart
- Use of mats and yoga props
- Weekly excursion
- 200hr Ashtanga Vinyasa Teacher Certificate (*upon participation in all four weeks and satisfactory demonstration of material comprehension)
Course Teachers
Retreat Leader
Simon has been practicing Ashtanga daily since 2009. He has lead 15 teacher trainings. Once upon a time he cycled a bicycle to India, and so began the Yoga journey.
Asistant Teachers
- Cristiano Pestana
- Alyson SImeone
- Matilde Da Silva
For more information on the teachers, click here
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Prices
Full YTT 200hr. 27 Days.
- Retreat without Accomodation 2750 Euro
- Retreat with Shared Room 3000 Euroi
- Retreat with Private Room 3750 Euro
- Retreat with Private Room (2 people) 6450 Euro
Includes:
- Daily Pranayama, Ashtanga Vinyasa Classes, Asana Adjustment Workshop and Yoga Philosophy Discourse
- Asturias Yoga Ashtanga Manual and Poster
- 3/day Vegetarian & Vegan Meals
- Guided Excursions
N.b. It is also possible to participate in 1 week of the course only. Please see the Full Flow and Mysore Style retreat pages.
How to Get to Porto Santo
- There are direct flights to Porto Santo from Lisbon, Porto and Funchal, Madeira (TAP airlines and EasyJet)
- You can also take a scenic cruise from Funchal, Madeira, which takes approximately 3 hours
- There are regular flight from most major European destinations to Madeira